AUBURN – The Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art will feature award-winning pianist Alina Sarkisyan, Thursday, Oct. 6, from noon to 1 p.m. as part of its weekly classical music series, “A Little Lunch Music.” The performance is sponsored by friends of the museum.

Sarkisyan, now 31 and a student at Columbus State University, made her debut at age 9 playing a piano solo with the Baku Philharmonic Orchestra in Azerbaijan. As a teenager she moved to Moscow and has performed there with groups such as the International Bach Society’s Orchestra. She was a special prize winner of the Russian National Piano Competition and received a scholarship from Russia’s president. Sarkisyan earned her masters degree in piano at Gnesin’s Academy of Music.

The free public performances in the “A Little Lunch Music” series will take place each week until Dec. 15. Oct. 27, the Fountain City Ensemble will perform. The spring season will begin in January.

Series coordinator Patrick McCurry says that the combination of classical music performances, fine art and gourmet food at the museum café create a unique atmosphere. “I keep hearing from visitors that coming to the museum for these performances is like entering a completely different cultural place,” said McCurry.

Donors can contribute any amount to support the series or can sponsor a single performance. Sponsorships start at $100 for a student recital with other sponsorship levels available for professionals and larger groups. For more information, contact Brett Evans, the museum’s Director of Development, at (334) 844-7945.